THE EMILY PROJECT

Cancer has become an epidemic that affects both humans and animals. In the veterinary industry, it is estimated that 46% of dogs and 39% of cats are getting cancer. Oncology specialty practices are overwhelmed with cases. Is there a link between cancer tainted food sources and cancer in dogs, cats and humans? And what about a disease like Mad Cow Disease that is spread through prions ( protein strands that are not destroyed through cooking.) ? We need to be aware of the danger of eating foods that could slip through current slaughter practices. Emily, the cow at the Peace Abbey in Sherborne, MA, recently passed away. She died of Bovine Leukemia Virus, a bovine cancer that is quite common, but not always diagnosed because most cattle are slaughtered before the age of 4. Emily was 10 years old, and died full of cancer.

Emily was a fortunate cow. She died in her stall peacefully at the Abbey, and was buried with honor. If her death had occurred in the cattle industry, however, the obviously cancerous parts would have been removed, and her carcass would have been put into animal, and perhaps even human food sources. Cancerous tissue would be processed as part of the “scraps” and processed at a rendering plant. These by products may end up used in makeup, toothpaste, and even pet foods. The Emily Project hopes to attract funding for research looking for the causes of common cancers, not just the drugs to treat them. Emily the Cow’s legacy will be to continue fostering awareness to causes that help both her human and animal friends. If there is any interest of any of my friends and collegues to find researchers, funding or more ideas concerning this very possible concepts please Email me or the Peace Abbey directly. Emily is known around the world and could be the catalyst to look at the link.
Margo Roman DVM, M.A.S.H. (Main Street Animal Services of Hopkinton)
72 West Main St Hopkinton
MA 508-435-4077
email: MRoman3@aol.com
http://www.mashvet.com

To read more on Emily the cow go to:
http://www.peaceabbey.org